Lawrence could cut deal to star in Pompey rebirth

Jordan Cross

Liam Lawrence revealed he could remain at Pompey and insisted: I don’t want to be blamed for liquidation.

Lawrence is in discussions over re-negotiating his Blues contract in order to help the club stay alive.

There remains Championship interest in the 30-year-old and he could still be on his way from Fratton Park this week.

But the midfielder is speaking to administrator Trevor Birch about extending the remaining two years of his contract, thought to be worth around £20,000-a-week, over a longer period at a vastly reduced rate.

That would then bring his deal into line with the budgets stipulated by Portpin for them to take over, before the August 10 deadline given for liquidation.

Lawrence stated he had no qualms about remaining at Pompey in League One.

He said: ‘It’s a weird situation, so you have to get on with it. I keep telling myself there’s people in a lot worse situations than I’m in.

‘I’m a professional footballer at the end of the day, so I will see what happens this week.

‘The fans are amazing and it’s such a shame what has happened has happened.

‘I tried to help them by going out on loan and getting myself off the wage bill.

‘I’ve been trying to sort something to leave and a compromise deal.

‘It’s working away. I’m thankful the supporters are still with me because I’ve given everything I can for this club and will continue to do so.

‘We’ve spoken about signing a longer contract on a lot less money and trying to spread it out so it helps the club.

‘We’ll see. This week is another week and if there were people watching on Saturday, I did okay, so you never know. But if there’s a deal to be done with Portsmouth we’re looking at it.

‘I’d have no qualms about staying at Pompey in League One. I’d put on the shirt and armband and give it my best.

‘I don’t want to be in the situation where they say I was one of the lads who liquidated the club. That’s not me.

‘I’m not stupid. I’d probably get murdered if the club was liquidated and I was one of the lads left.

‘I wouldn’t do that to the supporters and it hasn’t even crossed my mind.

‘I’m owed a lot of money now and am being paid a lot less than is in my contract to help the club.

‘We’ve all done our bit and are talking with the manager and Trevor. It has to get sorted. There’s hope still.’

Lawrence spent the end of last season on loan at Cardiff as Pompey battled to lower their wage bill after going into administration.

The Bluebirds appeared keen to land the Republic of Ireland man permanently – but a move to Wales now looks out of the question.

He explained a lot could unfold in the next few days.

‘It’s a big week. There’s been phone calls, every agent under the sun trying to get something done,’ said Lawrence.

‘That’s always the case when agents sniff moves. I’ve had a lot of false phone calls.

‘Cardiff just went quiet – they’ve got a lot of targets and money to spend.

‘Good luck to them because they are a fantastic set of lads with a great manager. I wish them every bit of luck.

‘Something could happen this week, whether it be with Portsmouth or someone else.’